So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

Wise men store up and treasure knowledge [in mind and heart],
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

The tongue of the righteous is like precious silver (greatly valued);
The heart of the wicked is worth little.

A calm and peaceful and tranquil heart is life and health to the body,
But passion and envy are like rottenness to the bones.

Wisdom rests [silently] in the heart of one who has understanding,
But what is in the heart of [shortsighted] fools is made known.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge [sifting it as chaff from the grain];
But the hearts of [shortsighted] fools are not so.

The mind of the intelligent and discerning seeks knowledge and eagerly inquires after it,
But the mouth of the [stubborn] fool feeds on foolishness.

The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way],
But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.

The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man,
But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life],
But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.

The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom]
And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.

A bribe is like a bright, precious stone in the eyes of its owner;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.

He who has a crooked mind finds no good,
And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.

A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.

Many plans are in a man’s mind,
But it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).

Listen carefully and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your mind to my knowledge;

For it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind [incorporating them as guiding principles];
Let them be ready on your lips [to guide and strengthen yourself and others].

Apply your heart to discipline
And your ears to words of knowledge.

Listen, my son, and be wise,
And direct your heart in the way [of the Lord].

Your [drunken] eyes will see strange things
And your mind will utter perverse things [untrue things, twisted things].

For their minds plot violence,
And their lips talk of trouble [for the innocent].

As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the hearts and minds of kings are unsearchable.